FRIENDS of the Earth Cymru has laid down a 'Green Challenge' to Welsh Assembly candidates ahead of the May 1 elections.

The group has contacted all candidates with its priorities for the second Assembly term and is asking Welsh voters to use its website to contact parties directly with their concerns.

The environmental group is calling for:

* A GM Free Wales, with commitments that the Assembly will block commercialisation of genetically modified (GM) crops across the UK

* A Zero-Waste Wales - the Assembly should reject incinerators and set a target for Wales to treat all 'waste' as a valuable resource

* Transport for All - the millions currently spent on road building should be redirected into public transport improvements and facilities for cycling and walking

* A Renewable Future - parties should commit to supporting high levels of energy efficiency and renewable energy schemes including windfarms

* Planning Justice for Wales - the Assembly should give new rights of appeal to individuals and communities affected by planning decisions.

Julian Rosser, spokesman for Friends of the Earth Cymru, said: 'The Assembly has made some faltering steps in the right direction over the past few years. It has been able to make a stand against GM crops, it has given some support to renewable energy and made big investments in recycling.

'Despite the high spots, we haven't seen anything which amounts to the sort of radical change in direction we need if we are to solve some of the terrible environmental and social injustices in Wales today.'

He added: 'We need to have more say in the way our environment is treated. Too often, it looks like the Assembly is powerless in the face of big business and vested interests in local authorities. We need a strong Assembly which will stand up for the people and the environment of Wales. Signing up to our Green Challenge would be a good start.'